Status: Scarce. This late model Simplex Auto comes to me by the generosity of Herman, VK3IXV. These keys use a release mechanism, like that of the Mecographs, the opposite of that used by Vibroplex.

Around 7,000 Simplex Auto bugs were manufactured from the the 1920's into the 1950's by Leo Cohen. Avid collectors try to find all nine variations. This one is the standard, serial 6270, made around 1950.

Speed is adjusted by sliding the big weight along the vibrating lever. This bug slows down more than probably any other ever made. It will slow to 12 wpm or less.

This photo reveals the workings of the release mechansim. It has a different timing hence a very different "feel" from other bugs. It will hold its own up to 30 wpm, but is at its best at slow speeds. Most Simplex Auto's were owned by the Australian Post Office, the equivalent of the Western union in the U.S. When telegraph was no longer being used, an order was given to throw these keys out. hence they are a rare find today, even in Australia, and command a premium price among collectors.

Status: Scarce. The BUZZA 100 dual lever is similar to the Vibroplex #6 or Lightning bug. It has genuinely separate levers, however, and this provides a distinctive feel. This specimen was never used, came from an estate sale in Ohio. I think an American WW II radio operator brought it home from the war as a momento of his time in the Pacific working with Australian ops. It also came in its original case.

In these next two pictures the unusual dual lever can be clearly seen. The key has a smooth feel, and is rather fast.

Buzza products began when German engineer, August A. Kraus, migrated to Sydney in the 1930's. After working for someone else, he started his own business making Morse sets at a location near Clarence Street in Sydney. The word, BUZZA, is derived from the word buzzer.

When war was declared on Germany, Kraus was interned at Sydney's Long Bay Gaol. He was released to design and oversee the manufacture of Morse keys for the Australian Army and Navy. After the war he kept on making keys, but at a reduced capacity. In 1955 Buzza Products moved into new premises at 80 Hotham Parade artarmon NSW. here the production was mainly the now popular and relatively cheap toy Morse trainers. But here Buzza Products also made toy xylophones, toy meccano sets, pipe cleaners and spinning wheels for potters. The company ceased to exist in 1977, two years after the death of Mr. Kraus.